[The parallel saw blade]

For shortening osteotomy, two exactly parallel osteotomies are needed to assure a congruent adaption of the shortened bone after segment resection. This is required for regular bone healing. In addition, it is difficult to shorten a bone to a precise distance using an oblique segment resection.

A mobile spacer between two saw blades keeps the distance of the blades exactly parallel during an osteotomy cut. The parallel saw blades from Synthes® are designed for 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 mm shortening distances. Two types of blades are available (e.g., for transverse or oblique osteotomies) to assure precise shortening.

Preoperatively, the desired type of osteotomy (transverse or oblique) and the shortening distance has to be determined. Then, the appropriate parallel saw blade is chosen, which is compatible to Synthes® Colibri with an oscillating saw attachment. During the osteotomy cut, the spacer should be kept as close to the bone as possible. Excessive force that may deform the blades should be avoided. Before manipulating the bone ends, it is important to determine that the bone is completely dissected by both saw blades to prevent fracturing of the corticalis with bony spurs. The shortening osteotomy is mainly fixated by plate osteosynthesis. For compression of the bone ends, the screws should be placed eccentrically in the plate holes. For an oblique osteotomy, an additional lag screw should be used.